Fairmont Palliser
Historic downtown landmark offering plush beds and classic charm alongside noticeably compact standard rooms.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Fairmont Palliser is a historic downtown Calgary hotel located next to the Calgary Tower, blending vintage architecture with luxury touches. It excels at delivering exceptional sleep on plush king beds, warm service, and quality on-site dining at Hawthorne. However, the vintage building means entry-level rooms are notoriously cramped, and the property lacks an underground parking garage. 851716
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- The central downtown location puts guests within easy walking distance of the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, and local dining. 10216
- Sleep quality earns unanimous praise thanks to exceptionally plush beds, fine linens, and quiet comfort. drawn from the full read
- Food and drink options stand out, particularly the comprehensive breakfast and the scones served with housemade jam and clotted cream. 7
- Service is consistently noted as welcoming and friendly from check-in through departure. 16
The catch
- Bathroom quality varies across stays, with some reviewers enjoying spacious counters, rain showers, and Le Labo amenities while others encounter compact layouts with older, beat-up fixtures. 1716
- Window views are hit-or-miss, ranging from views over downtown Calgary on upper floors to limited outlooks facing adjacent walls or train tracks. 1116
Who it's for
- — Downtown sightseers wanting high walkability
- — Fans of historic hotels with plush bedding
- — Splurge trips near the Calgary Tower
Skip it if
- — Guests who need sprawling room layouts
- — Drivers who require heated underground parking
- — Vegetarians expecting extensive breakfast buffet variety
Seen on camera
24 moments · 3 videos · Fairmont Palliser
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“From the American-style cuisine at Hawthorne to a quick Starbucks coffee, there are so many delicious options. I really…”
youtube.com1:09“hey look at this we had a decent view so this room is our home for the next two nights in Calgary”
youtube.com5:48“now these scones were so good this housemade jam and clotted cream were absolutely outstanding and to a point where I fe…”
youtube.com7:29“I loved that the staff made the transition into the hotel feel seamless and professional from the moment I stepped throu…”
youtube.com0:25“As soon as I entered the room, the room felt very dark and outdated. I was expecting the room to be a bit more updated,…”
youtube.com2:30“today in 2024 the paler Blends Timeless Elegance with modern indigence unmatched Guest Services incredible views of down…”
youtube.com4:54“the pastry team was actually nice enough to give me a tour of their kitchen”
youtube.com7:37“The public washroom on the gold floor was clean as expected, but I was impressed that they kept actual towels here, whic…”
youtube.com1:41“this Suite is actually I think bigger than my apartment in Vancouver which I'm not sure if that's sad or just really imp…”
youtube.com5:53“the palis has easily the comfiest beds we've ever slept in in our entire lives”
youtube.com6:17“now down in the Po's main lobby lies the Hawthorne dining room and although this is the only restaurant inside the hotel…”
youtube.com7:06“over the next 2 days from coffee to eggs benedict all mons and more this culinary experience was amazing”
youtube.com8:17“at $250 50 cents at night to today where it's hovering around 200 bucks a night this is regardless easily your cheapest…”
youtube.com10:28“from The Culinary experience to the beauty that surrounds every corner of its rooms and Lobby the Pacers and experience…”
youtube.com10:37“And trust me, this Nespresso coffee was really good and you could do a variety of drinks like cappuccino, mocha, and so…”
youtube.com1:32“As we started walking down the corridor, we noticed that the carpets were quite dated. They were not dirty, but they wer…”
youtube.com2:14“The fridge was well stocked with cola, beer, water, milk and cream, pre-made cocktails, wine, and so much more.”
youtube.com3:42“And then this was the washroom right here. And it looked updated to me.”
youtube.com4:51“The toiletries uses this famous brand called Plabo and the scent that they use is called Rose 31. I absolutely love this…”
youtube.com5:03“Then heading towards the shower I felt the bathtub and the shower head and taps were not updated.”
youtube.com5:25“The options in the breakfast buffet for vegetarians was very limited, but they do had some nice bakery options.”
youtube.com7:58“They also had fresh juices, which I really love because most of the places they usually just serve packaged juices. We s…”
youtube.com8:39“A perfect central location. You couldn't ask for a better spot. The Calgary Tower and the Calgary Art Gallery are just a…”
youtube.com0:32“The rooms are beautifully designed with a focus on quality and cleanliness. Whether you are traveling for business or le…”
youtube.com0:53Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
Booking direct costs no more here and keeps ALL Accor points, elite nights and eligible benefits.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 86/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
92- “The bathroom was large and well-stocked with a tub/shower combo, heated floors, which are great if you visit Calgary during the winter, and lots of toiletries, including a vanity kit and a jar of bath salts, which you don't often see as part of the included hotel toiletries.” 14
- “The luxurious bathroom with a bath and a rain shower was equipped with bathrobes, a hairdryer, and complimentary shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer from Le Labo (which smells like you never want to bathe without it again).” 16
Location
93- “today in 2024 the paler Blends Timeless Elegance with modern indigence unmatched Guest Services incredible views of downtown Calgary where 110 years after its first passenger checked in my Journey Begins here as well” 74:54
- “A perfect central location. You couldn't ask for a better spot. The Calgary Tower and the Calgary Art Gallery are just a short walk away. It's so easy to explore Stephen Avenue Walk or even head toward Prince's Island Park on foot.” 100:32
Room
84Service
89- “The service was stellar and went the extra mile. Room service is available for all types of hotel rooms.” 8
- “Highlight of my Stay: The hotel's staff is exceedingly helpful. Dawn on the concierge desk always greets you with a smile and a great recommendation. Another staff remembered my dog's name (Oliver) from our last stay months ago.” 11
Bed & Sleep
88- “the palis has easily the comfiest beds we've ever slept in in our entire lives” 76:17
- “Enjoy the review of our gay-friendly stay with photos, stories, and info about the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel and see the legendary Canadian luxury Calgary City Hotel through a couple of men's eyes. We stayed in a spacious Deluxe Room with a huge Kingsize Bed and a very comfortable mattress.” 16
Value
79- “The toiletries uses this famous brand called Plabo and the scent that they use is called Rose 31. I absolutely love this fragrance and just so you know it is quite expensive brand as well.” 95:03
- “Fairmont Palliser Calgary is a luxury hotel in Calgary with an approachable price tag, tons of luxe amenities, and a vibe that never stops reminding you that you've chosen the best and most elegant place to stay for your time in Calgary.” 14
Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-08-30
Where it sits
Fairmont Palliser and the 2 other hotels we cover in Calgary. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
What’s nearby
Landmarks and transport around Fairmont Palliser. Distances are straight-line, so walking times are approximate.
- Calgary Tower — 2 min walk · 0.1 km
- 1 Street Southwest — 3 min walk · 0.2 km
- Glenbow Museum — 4 min walk · 0.3 km
- The Grand — 4 min walk · 0.3 km
- Centre Street — 4 min walk · 0.3 km
- Calgary TELUS Convention Centre North Building — 4 min walk · 0.3 km
- Calgary International AirportYYC — 11 min drive · 10.8 km
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
On par with what $$ usually buys
Scores 3 points below the mid-range median of 89, across 547 hotels in the same bracket.
- This hotel
- 86
- Bracket median
- 89
- Index median
- 90
Based on 547 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 1 mention
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 63 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “From the American-style cuisine at Hawthorne to a quick Starbucks coffee, there are so many delicious options. I really appreciated the variety including buffet and a la carte breakfast selections.” On camera101:09
- “Aside from these amenities, previous guests also praised the hotel's on-site eateries like Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar.” 5
- “over the next 2 days from coffee to eggs benedict all mons and more this culinary experience was amazing” On camera78:17
- “An elegant dining experience where classic Canadian flavours are reimagined with modern culinary techniques” 1
- “So I was glad to see that the Fairmont Palliser defines breakfast the way I do with a well-stocked buffet or ala carte menu offering fine lox, fresh fruit, baked goods and eggs any way.” 17
- “The options in the breakfast buffet for vegetarians was very limited, but they do had some nice bakery options.” On camera97:58
- “And trust me, this Nespresso coffee was really good and you could do a variety of drinks like cappuccino, mocha, and so on with it.” On camera91:32
- “The Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar is a casually elegant space to enjoy a meal or a drink.” 14
- “Definitely one of the highlights at Fairmont Palliser Hotel Calgary was the breakfast at the "Rimrock" dining room right next to the chimney.” 16
- “now down in the Po's main lobby lies the Hawthorne dining room and although this is the only restaurant inside the hotel it's a pretty Charming spot to have a meal and immerse yourself in” On camera77:06
- “Additionally, the comprehensive breakfast and very well-equipped rooms made our city weekend Calgary right before our Winter Road Trip through the Rocky Mountains to Jasper for Jasper Pride Festival extra convenient.” 16
- “Enjoy the review of our gay-friendly stay with photos, stories, and info about the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel and see the legendary Canadian luxury Calgary City Hotel through a couple of men's eyes. We stayed in a spacious Deluxe Room with a huge Kingsize Bed and a very comfortable mattress.” 16
- “The plush King Bed had luxury linens, and the armoire had a large flat-screen television that could pivot so you could watch it from the bed or the living area.” 14
- “the palis has easily the comfiest beds we've ever slept in in our entire lives” On camera76:17
- “hey look at this we had a decent view so this room is our home for the next two nights in Calgary” On camera75:48
- “By the way, the hotel was named after Captain John Palliser, who was an explorer in the region around Calgary in the 1850s. Our Deluxe Room was comfortable, clean and fully equipped.” 16
- “As soon as I entered the room, the room felt very dark and outdated. I was expecting the room to be a bit more updated, but it seems like this whole floor and the room was needing an update. It wasn't bad, but I was expecting so much more from a gold room.” On camera92:30
- “The Palliser's rooms deliver everything you'd expect in a Fairmont property: wonderfully comfortable bed, fine linens, elegant and tasteful decor.” 11
- “No matter what floor your room is located on, your plushly appointed bed will inspire sweet dreams-and perhaps an upgrade at home.” 17
- “Another thing you'll notice is that almost all rooms have compact bathrooms, whether you're in a suite or a Fairmont room.” 11
- “I stayed in a Gold Club King Room, which had a spacious living area with a seating area, desk, and a full-size mirror.” 14
- “this Suite is actually I think bigger than my apartment in Vancouver which I'm not sure if that's sad or just really impressive” On camera75:53
- “The WiFi in the room was strong and consistent.” 11
- “The lobby really sets the tone for how gorgeous the rooms are. Sometimes when I glide through a super luxe lobby and step into a basic room, it's a bit of a letdown.” 8
- “Though well appointed, the basic Fairmont rooms are tight on space. Also, most of the rooms have limited views of the side of the hotel or the train tracks. Because of this, I highly suggest booking a Signature Room (or a suite) and request a room facing the front of the hotel.” 11
- “My room had one full wall of large unobstructed windows (which actually opened on the bottom!). They let in lots of sunshine and even allowed me to watch the nightly Stampede fireworks display over the nearby fairgrounds right from my bed.” 17
- “The plush King Bed had luxury linens, and the armoire had a large flat-screen television that could pivot so you could watch it from the bed or the living area.” 14
- “The room was modern but luxurious furnished and equipped with all necessary amenities to survive an eight-hour jet lag from Europe to Mountain Standard Time of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.” 16
- “The service was stellar and went the extra mile. Room service is available for all types of hotel rooms.” 8
- “Once we were inside, we were greeted with friendly faces, courteous staff and a beautiful lobby!” 6
- “I also appreciated the fact that the Palliser's staff was wearing full cowboy regalia to support and celebrate the city's annual Calgary Exhibition & Stampede which was happening during my visit.” 17
- “I loved that the staff made the transition into the hotel feel seamless and professional from the moment I stepped through the doors.” On camera100:25
- “the pastry team was actually nice enough to give me a tour of their kitchen” On camera77:37
- “The public washroom on the gold floor was clean as expected, but I was impressed that they kept actual towels here, which is usually not the case in other washrooms in the hotel.” On camera91:41
- “The turndown service was simple-a pitcher of iced water and chocolate on my pillow-but it was a little touch I appreciated.” 14
- “Check in staff was quick and efficient and we found where we needed to go really quickly! We took the elevators up to the room and the room was beautiful! It's updated with art from antique postcards of the hotel in the bathroom and everything was tastefully decorated.” 6
- “The check-in process is incredibly smooth with standard arrival starting at 3:00 p.m.” 10
- “The staff was super friendly, the food fresh and tasty, and the atmosphere precisely right to start a perfect morning.” 16
- “The staff of the Fairmont Palliser was greatly helpful, assisting in solving every problem during our stay.” 16
- “Check in staff was quick and efficient and we found where we needed to go really quickly!” 6
- “The service level is truly impressive with a staff that speaks multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and Mandarin.” On camera102:13
- “As we started walking down the corridor, we noticed that the carpets were quite dated. They were not dirty, but they were very old. Even some of the doors were in the need of maintenance.” On camera92:14
- “Highlight of my Stay: The hotel's staff is exceedingly helpful. Dawn on the concierge desk always greets you with a smile and a great recommendation. Another staff remembered my dog's name (Oliver) from our last stay months ago.” 11
- “I was relieved to learn that the renovation will include the bathrooms which, during my stay, were more reminiscent of a motel than a hotel, with visibly beat up and tacky fixtures, toilets, towels, tubs and showers-though the pedestal sinks remain elegant.” 17
- “The very central location right next to the Calgary tower and in Downtown Calgary at Palliser Square as well as the gay-friendly staff, the luxurious pool and spa area in the basement, made our stay very comfortable.” 16
- “It must be said that when it came time to check out of the Fairmont Palliser, I waited for almost an hour before the valet retrieved my Chevy Silverado, but I was in such a good mood from the rest of my stay that I figured this was simply a sign that they didn't want me to leave.” 17
- “Fairmont Palliser Calgary is a luxury hotel in Calgary with an approachable price tag, tons of luxe amenities, and a vibe that never stops reminding you that you've chosen the best and most elegant place to stay for your time in Calgary.” 14
- “The toiletries uses this famous brand called Plabo and the scent that they use is called Rose 31. I absolutely love this fragrance and just so you know it is quite expensive brand as well.” On camera95:03
- “I find the prices to be in the "reasonable splurge" range, and as a traveler, I have the mindset that I want to luxuriate in all of the amenities and enjoy the property.” 14
- “They also had fresh juices, which I really love because most of the places they usually just serve packaged juices. We stayed here for two nights and paid a total of about $1,200.” On camera98:39
- “While the Fairmont Palliser isn't outrageously expensive, it does price out of the budget hotel category. If you're up for a bit of a splurge, the perks of staying here won't disappoint you.” 14
- “today in 2024 the paler Blends Timeless Elegance with modern indigence unmatched Guest Services incredible views of downtown Calgary where 110 years after its first passenger checked in my Journey Begins here as well” On camera74:54
- “The very central location right next to the Calgary tower and in Downtown Calgary at Palliser Square as well as the gay-friendly staff, the luxurious pool and spa area in the basement, made our stay very comfortable.” 16
- “Speaking of nearby, the downtown location of the Fairmont Palliser could not be more convenient. I walked to and from the Stampede each day, avoiding the traffic and parking nightmare at the fairgrounds and the crowded commuter bus service.” 17
- “Centrally located in downtown Calgary, this hotel is conveniently situated near the city's business and financial district and is within walking distance of eclectic retail shopping, dining, arts, culture, and entertainment.” 2
- “If you're headed to Calgary and staying in a top-tier, luxury hotel is what you're all about, then the Fairmont Palliser Calgary is located in the heart of downtown and close to all the Calgary sights you want to see.” 8
- “A perfect central location. You couldn't ask for a better spot. The Calgary Tower and the Calgary Art Gallery are just a short walk away. It's so easy to explore Stephen Avenue Walk or even head toward Prince's Island Park on foot.” On camera100:32
- “The hotel is perfectly located in downtown Calgary. Everything downtown is within a 5-minute walk: world-class shopping, innovative restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.” 11
- “The bathroom amenities was a scent developed by themselves which was nice and unique to them! I love that they spend the time and effort thinking about details like that!” 6
- “Then heading towards the shower I felt the bathtub and the shower head and taps were not updated.” On camera95:25
- “The bathroom was large and well-stocked with a tub/shower combo, heated floors, which are great if you visit Calgary during the winter, and lots of toiletries, including a vanity kit and a jar of bath salts, which you don't often see as part of the included hotel toiletries.” 14
- “The luxurious bathroom with a bath and a rain shower was equipped with bathrobes, a hairdryer, and complimentary shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer from Le Labo (which smells like you never want to bathe without it again).” 16
- “The bathroom was really quite beautiful as well, with tons of space and counter top!” 6
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about view.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- 11 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Fairmont Palliser
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 19/100We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-29.
Watch this hotel
We keep reading Fairmont Palliser. Tell us when you're staying and we'll follow it until then — you'll hear from us only when the verdict is rewritten, the score moves, or new reviews land. No daily mail, and the watch closes itself after your stay.
Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 6 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 17 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 14Fairmont Palliser Calgary: Luxury Hotel Staywanderwithwonder.comReview site2023-06-12Ageing10 quotes used
“Fairmont Palliser Calgary is a luxury hotel in Calgary with an approachable price tag, tons of luxe amenities, and a vibe that never stops reminding you that you've chosen the best and most elegant place to stay for your…”
Read originalwanderwithwonder.com - 8Fairmont Palliser Calgary Review: Timeless Elegance ...shebuystravel.comReview site2023-06-08Ageing3 quotes used
“The service was stellar and went the extra mile. Room service is available for all types of hotel rooms.”
Read originalshebuystravel.com - 13Review of the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Downtown ...2traveldads.comReview site2021-08-24AgeingRead original2traveldads.com
- 11Fairmont Palliser, Calgaryspoiledsplendid.comReview site2018-01-03Ageing9 quotes used
“The Palliser's rooms deliver everything you'd expect in a Fairmont property: wonderfully comfortable bed, fine linens, elegant and tasteful decor.”
Read originalspoiledsplendid.com - 16Gay-friendly Fairmont Palliser Hotel Downtown Calgarycoupleofmen.comReview site2017-04-09Ageing12 quotes used
“Enjoy the review of our gay-friendly stay with photos, stories, and info about the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel and see the legendary Canadian luxury Calgary City Hotel through a couple of men's eyes. We stayed in a…”
Read originalcoupleofmen.com - 17Hotel Review The Fairmont Palliser Calgary Canadatrans-americas.comReview site2006-10-28Ageing7 quotes used
“I also appreciated the fact that the Palliser's staff was wearing full cowboy regalia to support and celebrate the city's annual Calgary Exhibition & Stampede which was happening during my visit.”
Read originaltrans-americas.com
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